Lazy Kates

If you're new to spinning, you may be asking what is a lazy kate and why you need one. A lazy kate is a simple stand that holds one or more bobbins in place as you ply yarn, allowing the strands to unwind smoothly and at an even tension so your finished yarn stays consistent.

Choosing a Lazy Kate

Most spinners choose between a basic lazy kate, which simply holds bobbins on rods, and a tensioned lazy kate, which adds adjustable friction to keep the feed-off steady. A tensioned lazy kate is especially helpful when plying slippery or fine fibers, since it prevents bobbins from spinning too freely and causing overspun or tangled plies.

Using a Lazy Kate for Plying

Set your lazy kate behind or beside your wheel so the yarn feeds off smoothly as you treadle. Keep these tips in mind:

• Position bobbins so the yarn comes off without rubbing against the kate's frame
• Use a tensioned model for two-ply or three-ply yarns that need even tension
• Check that the kate is stable, especially with heavier or fuller bobbins

Once you've plyed your yarn, many spinners move on to knitting or crochet projects using patterns found in our knitting patterns or crochet patterns collections, or pick up new tools in our knitting needles selection.